Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Yes, it's true the offense averages 5.8 runs a game for Ubaldo this season. It's also true this is only the 5th time they've scored less than four runs for him, and they have bailed him out of at least three potential losses. They have done a solid job holding up their end of the bargain on his nights.

Of course tonight was about a lot more than piling up wins for Ubaldo or solidifying him as a frontrunner in the Cy Young, this is about the Rockies getting a MUCH needed win on road and failing miserably... again.

This is about a Rockies team losing another 1 run game to an inferior opponent when all they needed to do was scrap together a couple runs. That's all they needed tonight, but that task was way too tall against Mike Pelfrey.

I don't get it.

I do get that Citi is a pitcher's ballpark, but we knew that going in. These are games when you have to be creative. Dexter Fowler needs to push a bunt. The hit-and-run with Barmes and Olivo was a nice idea. Of course Barmes didn't get the ball in play, but you need a little more of that.

And the hitters absolutely have to resist trying to drive a ball out of that yard. It's just not going to happen. Especially guys like Fowler and Helton. Even Gonzalez layed into one that died around the warning track. Next time up he lined one over the head of Carter in left. Line drives will carry. Flyballs won't.

Line drives. Get people in motion. Find ways to put pressure on the Mets defense. I know that's easier said than done, but more times than not (especially on the road) this team makes even the most basic and fundamental of offensive approaches look impossible.

There has to be a middle ground somewhere. Find it. Create some offense. Score some damn runs. Paul Maholm won't be there to bail you out again this season.

Tomorrow

Jeff Francis vs John Maine

Pretty even pitching matchup. Another 1-0 game wouldn't shock me at all. That means it'll probably be 10-9, but I honestly expect another low scoring affair.